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West Richland residents press council for stricter fireworks rules after July 4 fires; council schedules workshop
Summary
Multiple residents told the West Richland City Council on July 15 that Fourth of July fireworks this year caused fires, damaged property, and harmed pets and people; council members agreed to hold a workshop and asked Fire Chief Carlisle to report to council in September.
At the July 15 West Richland City Council meeting, more than a dozen residents urged the council to tighten rules on consumer fireworks after a July 4 period they said produced multiple fires, property damage and severe noise disruption. Mayor Pro Tem Fred Brink opened a public comment period that drew sustained testimony from neighbors, veterans and business owners.
The complaints focused on the volume of fireworks sales and the risk of ignition on dry land. “The primary job for you the city council and its first priority should always be to protect the citizens from all harmful activities,” resident Jerry Boggs told the council. Several speakers cited recent local fires and called the current situation unsafe for pets and people with post-traumatic stress disorder.
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